'68 Highboy.... rebounding from neglect (LS Swap and Mechanical Restoration)

[biggurn]

I've been working on some of the small things that need to be done to get the truck where I want it and on the road (not that I haven't been driving it, but to have it "trip ready"). Built a spare tire mount:


Then I built a "headache rack" for the tool box (for load securement and part of a jack mount) then mounted a hi-lift jack


Yesterday the oldest minions and I put a new gasket in the back window (thanks to YoungFordKid for words of wisdom on how to do this successfully).


Today I put in some small d-rings down low. One of my favorite things about my Super Duty are the low and plentiful mounting points. Decided I'd install some d-rings in this truck to provide similar options.


Windshield, T-case rebuild and twin stick shifter are the only major items left to get done!

[biggurn]

Ilene Update (1968 Ford F250 4x4)- I had some time yesterday and today, so I decided to finally attack the rust spot on the passenger fender... fixing that also meant plugging the holes in the body from the removed bump molding, then taking care of the oxidized paint and then painting it all to match...

Rust cut out



To deal with the oxidized paint, I did a SOS scrub wash and man, does that work! You can see the driver side showing the scrubbed door vs the bed that hadn't been done.


Tape and ready for Candyapple red


Waiting for paint to dry and cure


Shot the hood with a test of clear


After shooting paint yesterday, I wet sanded it all back down to blend, then shot the whole truck in the first coat of clear. I'll shoot a 2nd coat on my next day off. Very happy with how it looks!

[biggurn]

Dropped the T-case out today to reseal it and set it up for the Twin Stick cable shifter. I had to replace the input yoke as the original had a 1/16" groove worn into it from years of service. Looks like the rear output was probably replaced when it was rebuilt by a previous owner. Found a replacement at the local pick-a-part and reinstalled everything. Cable shifter went in quickly. JB Fab makes some nice stuff. Only issue I have is it is a little difficult to shift into 2L, but that seems to be a fairly common issue for NP205 transfercases.


Currently, all that remains on the list are installing the shoulder seat belts (Thursday?) and a front windshield (have an appointment for Friday).

[biggurn]

Working towards the end of the wrap up items on Ilene. Today's item was installing the shoulder seat belts. Had to build little brackets for the reels. Bent them up in the brake using 1-1/4x3/8 flat. Put a hole through the bottom to reuse the original mounting location. Then drilled and tapped the front side to mount the real. Machine some bushings for the bolts at the shoulder guide so that they'll sit right and still pivot. Very content with how they turned out.







Front glass tomorrow is the last major item to tick off the list! I did find a set off original West Coast Jr Mirrors for it that should be here next week.

[biggurn]

I've been able to get a little work put of Ilene the last couple days:

[biggurn]

Took Ilene out to a Truck/Tractor/Engine show today. Ilene hauled the nearly 10k lb load without issue. So much fun driving this truck!

[hfdco4]

Very nice video!